EMT versus UXO

I have some questions that hopefully you could give me some advice on regarding EMT versus UXO.

I'm 18 years old from PA. Graduated from high school last year. I was set on going to the Air Force for EOD since I was in 10th grade.

Everything looked good until I needed to get a waiver for a heart condition that my doctor said shouldn't disqualify me (no limitations) and it got through every doctor at MEPS, but was turned down by the surgeon general of the Air Force.

Needless to say, I was extremely discouraged as being in the military runs in my family and I wanted to carry that tradition on.

My neighbor who has been a good family friend, and also former EOD in the Air Force, is a UXO tech and loves it and is trying to get me to really consider it, which I am.

He has a lot of down time, no debt, two brand new vehicles that he already has paid off, and has a job with a ton of freedom. But, since I got turned down I thought about moving on to what else I like to do which is firefighting/EMS work, which I've been involved with since I was about 12.

I'm currently in an EMT class now. Don't get me wrong, I love doing all of that, but it seems like those positions lead to nowhere.

I also think of all the traveling that is involved with UXO work and I am not sure if I would be able to handle that for a whole career, although the payout is great. I guess it really comes down to for the love or money.

Comments for EMT versus UXO

I will try to answer this the best I'm able as I'm on my Blackberry and watching the Auburn Oregon game.

The easy answer is you can have both love of job and money doing both EMT and UXO.

I appreciate you wanting to be EOD. It was the greatest professional accomplishment of mine.

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I also have friends that wanted to be EOD but couldn't because of some random reason.

They eventually became UXO.

Now your case, I would recommend staying in EMT.

Now EMT will not provide you the income that you will need for a family.

My best friend started as an EMT, became a paramedic and is now a paramedic SWAT cop. He has talked of paying off his bills for 20 years. Back to you. After finishing your EMT, get to UXO school. As an EMT/UXO tech, you will be more employable than someone who is not.

I recommend writing down a list of the 100 things you want, possess and do.

Do you really want to be an EMT or do you want to help people?

EMT's help people that are hurt but affluent people can help many more people faster, granted in a different way.

On your list of 100, 5 things will stick out that are your true life's goals. Move toward those using your certifications.

Again, I apologize for an abbreviated answer. Lots going on around me at the time.

Work on that list. It will be very difficult. Don't put any limits on what you write down and don't show it to anyone other than someone who writes down goals.

Let me know if I'm missing something and I would like to discuss this with you as you move forward.